Switchable Window Control Apps for Adaptive Tint Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrochromic devices lack versatility and fail to account for unique features and user preferences, limiting their commercial potential.
Innovation Solution
Software applications that allow users to control and monitor optically switchable devices, such as windows, through a network interface, enabling user authentication, adaptive control, and rule-based management, with features like remote device control, grouping of devices, and integration with building management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic control systems are used for electrochromic devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but functionality and user experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including user authentication, adaptive control based on environmental sensors, rule-based management, remote device control, grouping of devices, and integration with building management systems. This multi-functional approach enables a single control system to handle diverse operational modes and user preferences without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements a hierarchical nested structure where software applications operate within the network controller, which in turn controls multiple optically switchable devices. The system allows for nested grouping of devices into zones and rooms, and nested user authentication levels. This nesting enables complex functionality to be organized in manageable layers, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control systems account for user preferences and environmental factors, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives feedback from environmental sensors (light, temperature, occupancy) and user interactions, then adjusts device states accordingly. The system implements adaptive control algorithms that learn from user preferences and environmental conditions over time, automatically optimizing performance without requiring complex manual programming. This feedback mechanism enables adaptability while keeping the control logic manageable through iterative adjustment rather than pre-programmed complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Software applications are used for controlling the optical state of one or more optically switchable windows or other optical products installed in a structure such as building. The applications permit users to send and/or receive data and/or commands for controlling the switchable optical products. In some embodiments, the applications provide an interface with a window network controller, which directly or indirectly controls windows in a structure. Relevant processing involving the application may include user authentication, commissioning, adaptive control, and decisions on whether to permit an action or change requested by a user. In some embodiments, the application allows users to directly control the tint state of one or more tintable windows. In some embodiments, the application allows users to change a rule or property associated with controlling a switchable optical product.